David Freese is not in the lineup again today, although his tight right quad is improved, he said. Manager Mike Scioscia said today was likely to be a start for Ian Stewart anyway, because the Tigers are starting ace right-hander Max Scherzer, and Stewart is a left-handed hitter.

Freese is likely to be back in the lineup on Sunday.

Scioscia also revealed that Albert Pujols had been bothered by a bruised left heel in the first week of the season, but “it’s not an issue” now.

Scioscia also said that left-hander Sean Burnett is making progress again. Scioscia said Burnett recently threw a bullpen session in Arizona that was “outstanding.”

“He was really excited about how he felt after,” Scioscia said.

Burnett, who had elbow surgery last July, has endured a series of setbacks and stalls in his rehab for months. It’s still too early to project when, or if, Burnett will be back, but at the moment he’s headed in the right direction again.

Scioscia also said that Dane De La Rosa, who is out with a sore shoulder, “felt good” after a flat-ground throwing session. There is no timetable for De La Rosa’s return.